Hair and scalp compositions with a crosslinked silicone elastomer and method of using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a water-based composition comprising a non-emulsifying crosslinked silicone elastomer in an amount effective to decrease the amount of sebum on the hair or scalp. The water-based compositions of the present invention are in non-emulsion form. More preferably, the water-based compositions of the present invention have a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the crosslinked silicone elastomer within the water-based composition.  
     The present invention also provides to a method of method for absorbing and/or removing sebum and/or styling product residue from the hair or scalp. The method comprises the step of applying the water-based composition to the hair and/or scalp. Preferably, the water-based hair composition is distributed through the hair and/or scalp, e.g., by using a comb or brush.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a hair composition, inparticular to a non-rinse-off, i.e., leave-on, composition. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to non-rinse-off water-basedcomposition that includes a crosslinked silicone elastomer. The presentinvention also relates to a method for using a composition for absorbingand/or removing sebum or styling product residue from the hair or scalp,most preferably, without the requirement of rinsing off the product.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Human hair, in common with other parts of the body, becomessoiled and requires cleaning or shampooing. Personal habits of hair carevary greatly but, in general, people shampoo their hair at variousintervals of a day to a week or two apart. However, there are timesduring the between-shampoo intervals where people would like to refreshtheir hair by decreasing oil, sebum and/or the odor associated withsebum. This is especially true in this time when busy business workersuse work break times to attend fitness clubs or during the warmermonths. Both consumers and those skilled in the art have recognized aneed for an in-between hair cleaning means that is simpler, faster andmore convenient than shampooing. Crosslinked silicone elastomers areknown to provide conditioning benefits to the hair, such as improvingcombability and leaving a soft and silky feel. However, heretoforcrosslinked silicone elastomers have generally been incorporated intorinseoff compositions, such as shampoos or conditioners, or anhydrouscompositions. For example, EP 855178 A2 discloses wash-off hair careproducts that include alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids and water-insolublesilicone elastomer powders. In addition, the examples of the EP 855178have greater than 6 wt % oil soluble ingredients.

[0005] However, for hair care formulations, especiallyleave-on/non-rinse-off compositions, it is desirable to use an aqueousbased system instead of an emulsion or an anhydrous system. Although ananhydrous system can effectively solubilize and deposit the crosslinkedsilicone elastomer on the hair, the solvents present in such anhydroussystem leave greasy, oily undesirable residue behind on the hair andscalp. In addition, the crosslinked silicone elastomer has a tendency toabsorb the oil/solvent present in such systems. As a result, thecrosslinked silicone elastomer is less able to absorb sebum from thehair/scalp. Anhydrous formulas as such are also much more expensive,since they contain no water. Even alcohol-based anhydrous formulations,which are fairly affordable, are not possible due to the insolubility ofcrosslinked silicone elastomers in alcohol.

[0006] Emulsion systems can be and have been used to solubilize siliconeelastomers in hair care formulations. However, high levels ofemulsifiers and/or surfactants are needed to stabilize such systems. Theemulsifiers/surfactants when used in high levels are also left behind onthe hair, leaving a greasy feel similar to the anhydrous systemsdiscussed above. U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,583 discloses hair carecompositions that include a crosslinked silicone elastomer that hasemulsifying properties.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,363 discloses hair styling moussecompositions. The '363 mousse compositions include a silicone emulsionthat has a continuous water phase in which there is a dispersed phasethat comprises an anionically stabilized hydroxylatedpolyorganosiloxane, a colloidal silica and a catalyst.

[0008] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies anddisadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention relates to a water-based compositioncomprising a non-emulsifying crosslinked silicone elastomer in an amounteffective to decrease the amount of sebum on the hair or scalp. Thewater-based compositions of the present invention are in non-emulsionform. More preferably, the water-based compositions of the presentinvention have a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend thecrosslinked silicone elastomer within the water-based composition. Thewater-based compositions of the present invention also preferably haveless than about 5 wt % oil ingredients.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a method of absorbingand/or removing sebum and/or styling product residue from the hair orscalp. The method comprises the step of applying the water-basedcomposition to the hair and/or scalp. Preferably, the water-based haircomposition is distributed through the hair and/or scalp, e.g., by usinga comb or brush.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention relates to an aqueous hair care composition andmethod for absorbing and/or removing sebum from oily hair. Thecomposition is sprayed onto the hair and preferably combed through,whereby the perception of greasiness on the hair is dramaticallyreduced.

[0012] Crosslinked Silicone Elastomer

[0013] The hair composition has a non-emulsifying crosslinked siliconeelastomer (hereinafter “crosslinked silicone elastomer”). An elastomeris generally a chain polymer having a degree of crosslinking sufficientto provide a rubberlike consistency. A crosslinked silicone elastomer isformed from a siloxane polymer having at least two free reactive groupspreferably bonded to at least one terminal silicon atom. The reactivegroups can include, but are not limited to, vinyl, allyl or epoxidemoieties. The groups then react with Si—H linkages of another suitablepolysiloxane backbone capable of participation in an addition reaction,such as a molecularly spherical MQ resin. The reaction results in athree-dimensional crosslinked polymer. The crosslinked siliconeelastomer is essentially non-emulsifying (e.g., polyoxyalkylene groupsabsent). The average molecular weight of the crosslinked siliconeelastomer preferably ranges from about 2,000 to about 20 million, mostpreferably from about 1 million to about 20 million.

[0014] Examples of crosslinked silicone elastomers suitable for use inthe present compositions include, but are not limited to, one or moredimethicone crosspolymers, such as DC 9040 of Dow Corning Corp.;organopolysiloxanes (a.k.a. polysilicone-11), such as GRANSIL GCM andGRANSIL SR-5CYC of Grant Industries; dimethicone/vinyl dimethiconecrosspolymers, such as SFE839 of General Electric, KSG15 of Shin-Etsu,and DC 9509 of Dow Corning Corp.; or any combinations thereof.Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymers for use in the presentcompositions include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,761 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,013,682, which are incorporated herein by reference. Mostpreferred examples of such useful crosslinked silicone elastomers arethose provided in the form of non-ionic suspensions (for example, DC9509 SILICONE ELASTOMER SUSPENSION of Dow Corning Corp.) or non-ionicemulsions (for example, DC HMW 2220 NON—IONIC EMULSION of Dow CorningCorp.).

[0015] It is preferred that the crosslinked silicone elastomer is solid.By the term “solid” it is meant that the crosslinked silicone elastomerdoes not flow or have a viscosity as do silicone fluids. DC 9509 fromDow Corning Corp., discussed above, is an example of such a solidcrosslinked silicone elastomer.

[0016] Although crosslinked silicone elastomers can be added directly tothe hair composition, it is preferred that the crosslinked siliconeelastomer is added to the hair composition in the form of apre-solubilized/pre-dispersed suspension or emulsion. When such apredispersed crosslinked silicone elastomer is used, as is mostpreferred, the amount of emulsifier/surfactant in the crosslinkedsilicone elastomer dispersion will be calculated as part of the level ofemulsifier/surfactant contained in the overall hair care composition, aswill be discussed further below.

[0017] The crosslinked silicone elastomer is present in the haircomposition in an amount effective to decrease sebum on the hair orscalp as compared to a composition without the crosslinked siliconeelastomer. Preferably, the crosslinked silicone elastomer is present atabout 0.01 wt % to about 10 wt %, based on the total weight of thecomposition. More preferably, the crosslinked silicone elastomer ispresent at about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight ofthe composition. Most preferably, the crosslinked silicone elastomer ispresent at about 0.5 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weightof the composition.

[0018] Water

[0019] The present invention uses a water-based system. A water-basedsystem according to the present invention is a system that is has anaqueous phase that contains water and those ingredients that are freelysoluble in water. Preferably, the compositions of the present inventioninclude at least about 20 wt %, more preferably at least about 40 wt %,most preferably at least about 50 wt %, water based on the total weightof the hair composition. Most preferably, the hair care compositionincludes at least about 75 wt % water, based on the total weight of thehair composition.

[0020] Suspending Agent

[0021] Because the crosslinked silicone elastomer is oil soluble andthus water insoluble, it is preferred the composition includes asuspending agent. In prior art emulsion systems, the crosslinkedsilicone elastomer was simply added to the oil phase, which was lateremulsified. In the water-based systems of the present invention, thecrosslinked silicone elastomer, because it is non-hydrophilic andnon-emulsifying in nature, may form a separate layer over time. Althoughthis does not eviscerate the advantages of the present invention sincethe composition may be shaken prior to use to redisperse the crosslinkedsilicone elastomer, it is more preferred that the crosslinked siliconeelastomer remains suspended through the product life. Thus, to improvethe stability of the water-based system of the present invention, thecomposition preferably includes a suspending agent in an amountsufficient to disperse/suspend the crosslinked silicone elastomer withinthe composition for a period of time greater than three months.

[0022] Examples of suspending agents include, but are not limited to,clays (e.g., bentonite, smectite, hectorite, kaolin andmontmorillonite), metal silicates (e.g., magnesium aluminum silicate,calcium silicate and aluminum silicate), polyacrylamide, long chain acylderivatives (e.g., glycol esters of fatty acids, alkanol amides of fattyacids, and amine oxides of fatty acids), acrylics (e.g., carbomers,acrylate polymers, polyacrylates and co-polymers), urethanes andpolyurethanes, polyesters, polysaccharides (e.g., cellulosics, xanthangum), polyolefins, polyamides, polyimides, polyethylenes and otherpolyalkyls, polyols, polystyrenes, polyethers, polyhalides,polynitriles, proteins, triglycerides, polyamino acids, siliconepolymers and resins, esters derived from rosin, epoxy resins, shellacsand latexes. Particularly preferred suspending agents areacrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, commercially availablefrom Noveon, Inc. as PEMULEN TR-1 AND PEMULEN TR-2. Mixtures of two ormore suspending agents is also contemplated.

[0023] The amount of suspending agent can be adjusted using standardempirical routines for optimization, as is well understood in the art.Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, the specifictype and amount of crosslinked silicone elastomer(s) being used, theamount of water in the composition, the type and amount of emulsifier(s)being used to pre-disperse the crosslinked silicone elastomer, if theformulation includes alcohol and in what amount, the amount and type ofother hydrophilic ingredients, such as glycols or polyols, and the typeand amount of preservatives or fragrances that may be added. It ispreferred that the suspending agent is present from about 0.01 wt. % toabout 10.0 wt. %, more preferably from about 0.025 wt. % to about 2.5wt. % and most preferably from about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.75 wt. %,based upon the total weight of the composition.

[0024] Emulsifer/Surfactants

[0025] Because the compositions of the present invention are innon-emulsion form, the compositions are substantially free ofemulsifiers/surfactants. Emulsifier/surfactant may be added as long asthe composition remains in a non-emulsion form. The amount ofemulsifer/surfactant that can be added without forming an emulsion canbe adjusted using standard empirical routines for optimization, as iswell understood in the art. Factors to be considered include, but arenot limited to, the specific type and amount of crosslinked siliconeelastomer(s) being used, the amount of water in the composition, theamount of water in the composition, the type and amount of emulsifier(s)being used to pre-disperse the crosslinked silicone elastomer, if theformulation includes alcohol and in what amount, the amount and type ofother hydrophilic ingredients, such as glycols or polyols, and the typeand amount of preservatives or fragrances that may be added. Forguidance, the compositions of the present invention preferably have lessthan about 1 wt % emulsifer and/or surfactant, and more preferably lessthan 0.5 wt. % emulsifer/surfactant. In a preferred embodiment of thehair composition, emulsifiers/surfactants are present in amount lessthan about 1.0 wt %, and the oil-soluble ingredients (discussed below)are present in an amount less than about 5.0 wt %, based on the totalweight of the hair composition.

[0026] Since it is most preferred that the crosslinked siliconeelastomer is predispersed prior to being added to the composition (asdiscussed in the crosslinked silicone elastomer section above), thecontribution of the amount of emulsifier/surfactant in the crosslinkedsilicone elastomer predispersion is considered when calculating thetotal amount of emulsifier/surfactant in the overall composition.

[0027] Non Emulsion Form

[0028] The hair composition is aqueous but in a form other than anemulsion, i.e., the hair composition is substantially free of emulsionform or structure. Suitable composition forms include dispersions andsuspensions.

[0029] Oil Soluble Ingredients

[0030] Since the purpose of the compositions of the present invention isto absorb sebum and other oils, it is preferred that the compositionsare substantially free of oil-soluble ingredients (other than thecrosslinked silicone elastomer). Oil-soluble ingredients diminish theeffectiveness of the crosslinked silicone elastomer since thecrosslinked silicone elastomer will absorb the oil-soluble ingredient inthe composition, thus have a lower capacity for absorbing the sebum fromhair/scalp. Preferably, compositions of the present invention have lessthan 5 wt %, more preferably less than 2.5 wt %, most preferably lessthan 1 wt % oil-soluble ingredients. For calculation purposes, thecrosslinked silicone elastomer is not considered an oil solubleingredients, and is considered only for its contribution to the totalweight of the composition.

[0031] Optional Ingredients

[0032] Compositions of the present invention may also contain one ormore additional ingredients conventionally incorporated into hair carecompositions. Such additional ingredients include styling agents, suchas resins and hair-setting polymers, perfumes, dyes, buffering or pHadjusting agents, viscosity modifiers, opacifiers, pearlizers,preservatives, antibacterial agents, antidandruff agents, vitamins, foamboosters, proteins, moisturizing agents, herb or other plant extracts,or other natural ingredients. The compositions of the present inventionmay include one or more additional components, such as one or moreantimicrobials, antioxidants, buffering agents, chelating agents,colorants, conditioning agents, emollients, film formers, fragrances,humectants, lubricants, moisturizers, pigments, preservatives, skinpenetration enhancers, stabilizers, vitamins, or any combinationsthereof.

[0033] Product Forms

[0034] The compositions of the present invention may have a number ofdifferent product forms. Such suitable product forms include an aerosolor pump spray, mousse, foam, solution, serum, or the hair carecomposition may be incorporated into a towelette. Most preferably, thecomposition is in a product form that allows for easy transportation,access and use. Most preferably the product form is a sprayable (e.g.,aerosol or pump sprays) solution. The compositions of the presentinvention may be incorporated into combs and brushes within a separatereservoir in the same manner used for dental care toothbrushes thatdispense dentifrices and toothpastes. Examples of such systems aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,632; 5,882,134; 4,787,765; 6,206,600;and 6,257,791, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

[0035] In preferred form, the present invention is provided in a smallpackage that can be conveniently carried in a pocket, handbag orbriefcase.

EXAMPLE 1

[0036] A hair composition according to the present invention may be madeaccording to the following. Ingredient wt % Dimethicone/VinylDimethicone Crosslinked Silicone Elastomer 2.0 Crosspolymer suspension(with less than 20% emulsifier based upon the weight of the suspension)Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl 0.25 Suspending Agent Acrylate CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA Chelating Agent 0.2 Ethyl Alcohol VolatileSolvent/Preservative 10.0 Methyl paraben Preservative 0.2 SodiumHydroxide pH adjuster 0.1 Water QS

[0037] Method of Use

[0038] The compositions of the present invention are applied to the hairand/or scalp between any two wash occasions. The method of using thecompositions of the present invention include the step of applying thecomposition to the hair and/or scalp. Preferably, the composition isthen distributed through the hair and/or over the scalp. Thedistribution may be accomplished using, for example, a brush, a comb ora plurality of fingers. When the composition is incorporated into areservoir of a brush or comb, as described above, the steps of applyingand distributing may occur simultaneously.

[0039] When practicing the preferred method of the present invention,the composition is applied to hair in between washes. Preferably, whenthe hair composition is applied to the hair or scalp has not been washedfor at least 1 hour before, more preferably at least 2 hours before, andmost preferably at least 4 hours before composition is applied.

[0040] The compositions of the present invention may also be used in amethod of removing styling product buildup between washes. Just as thecompositions of the present invention absorb sebum and/or oils from thehair, the compositions also assist in absorbing the heavy, oilyingredients often included in conventional styling products. To practicesuch a method, a composition of the present invention is applied to thehair and/or scalp. Preferably, the composition is then distributedthrough the hair and/or over the scalp. The distribution may beaccomplished using, for example, a brush, a comb or a plurality offingers. When the composition is incorporated into a reservoir of abrush or comb, as described above, the steps of applying anddistributing may occur simultaneously.

[0041] It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of some embodiments of the present invention. Variousalternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in theart without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modificationsand variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of decreasing the amount of sebum on aperson's hair or scalp comprising applying a non-emulsion water-basedcomposition comprising a crosslinked silicone elastomer to said hair orsaid scalp.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising distributingsaid composition through said hair or over said scalp.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein said distributing is accomplished by combing orbrushing said hair with a comb, a brush or a plurality of fingers. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said hair or scalp has not been washedfor a period of time greater than 1 hour before said applying of saidwater-based composition.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said hair orscalp has not been washed for a period of time greater than 2 hoursbefore said applying of said water-based composition.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said composition comprises from about 0.01 wt % toabout 10 wt % of said crosslinked silicone elastomer.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said composition comprises from about 0.1 wt % to about5 wt % of said crosslinked silicone elastomer.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said composition comprises from about 0.5 wt % to about 2.5 wt %of said crosslinked silicone elastomer.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein said crosslinked silicone elastomer is selected from the groupconsisting of a dimethicone crosspolymer, an organopolysiloxane, adimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, and any combinationsthereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition furthercomprises a suspending agent.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein saidcomprises said suspending agent in an amount sufficient to suspend saidcrosslinked silicone elastomer in said composition for at least threemonths.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said composition comprisesfrom about 0.01 wt % to about 10 wt % of said suspending agent.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, wherein said composition comprises from about 0.05wt % to about 0.75 wt % of said suspending agent.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the suspending agent is an acrylates/C10⁻³⁰ alkylacrylate crosspolymer
 15. A leave-in non-emulsion hair-care compositioncomprising (a) a crosslinked silicone elastomer an amount effective todeposit a sebum-absorbing level of said crosslinked silicone elastomeron the hair or scalp after the composition has been applied to the hairor scalp; (b) a suspending agent in amount sufficient to suspend saidcrosslinked silicone elastomer in said composition; (c) at least about20 wt % water.
 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein said crosslinkedsilicone elastomer is a dimethicone crosspolymer, an organopolysiloxane,a dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, and any combinationthereof.
 17. The composition of claim 15, wherein said suspending agentincludes at least one carbomer, acrylate polymer, acrylates co-polymer,polysaccharide, clay, metal silicate, polyacrylamide or long chain acylderivative.
 18. The composition or claim 15, wherein the compositioncontains less than about 5 wt % oil soluble ingredients.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises an emulsifierin an amount less than about 1 wt % of the composition.
 20. Thecomposition of claim 19, wherein the composition contains less thanabout 5 wt % oil soluble ingredients.
 21. A non-emulsion compositionconsisting essentially of: a. a crosslinked silicone elastomer; b. 0 toless than about 5 wt % oil-soluble ingredients; c. 0 to less than about1 wt % surfactants/emulsifiers; d. a water-based vehicle; and e. asuspending agent present in an amount sufficient to suspend saidcrosslinked silicone elastomer in said water-based vehicle.